High School Basketball Preview: Lynn Camp Wildcats

In many ways, this season will be a rebuilding year for the Lynn Camp High School Boys’ Basketball Team, which has a first year head coach and graduated six seniors, including its two leading scores from last year’s squad, which finished the year with a disappointing 5-24 record with losses in 16 out of its final 17 games.

UC hosting Christmas at the Cumberlands concert Sunday (Dec. 3)

Ring in the Christmas season with University of the Cumberlands (UC).

The university is hosting their Sixth Annual Christmas at the Cumberlands concert on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 4 p.m. in the O. Wayne Rollins Center, which is the large gymnasium.

Doors open at 3 p.m., and seats are first-come, first-served. Handicap seating will be available. The program usually lasts about an hour and a half. All are invited to attend the free festivities.

Immediately following the performance, Christmas cookies and other refreshments will be served at a reception hosted by the Office of the President in the Boswell Campus Center (BCC), located directly across the street from the gymnasium.

Dr. Jeff Smoak, choral professor at Cumberlands, said, “Part of the reason we host the concert so early in December is to offer a Christmas program that doesn’t disrupt families’ Christmas plans, and because, in my opinion, this helps usher in the Christmas season in our little town of Williamsburg. It is a community-welcoming event.”

Smoak and other music faculty have been working on this production since summertime. More than 100 students from all of Cumberlands’ musical ensembles will perform, from choirs to band to jazz band, with a special solo performance by Dr. Tara Warfield, a new vocal professor.

Several faculty members will perform as well. Ms. Erica (Broome) Harris, a local UC alumna and executive director of Alumni Services at the university, will open the event. This year’s Master of Ceremonies is Dr. Ryan Hanley, chair of the Department of Missions and Ministry at UC.

Hosting a community-focused Christmas concert has been a tradition at Cumberlands for decades.

Within the concert itself is another tradition: inviting Cumberlands alumni to sing “White Christmas” together with the Cumberland Voices choir at the end of the performance. The late Harold Wortman, a past chair of the Department of Music at the university, began the tradition of inviting the community to participate in a musical Christmas program more than 50 years ago.

The performance will feature a mixture of traditional Christmas songs and several more contemporary pieces. A few songs on the list are “Joy to the World,” “Go Tell it on the Mountain,” “Mary, Did You Know,” and an updated, jazzy version of “Jingle Bells.”

Christmas at the Cumberlands is a free event. All are welcome to join UC as they ring in the holidays.

‘I come to kill you…’ assault suspect allegedly tells victim

A Corbin man is still behind bars for allegedly breaking into a woman’s apartment Thursday evening and assaulting her until her face was bloody because she supposedly “done him dirty,” according to his arrest citation.

Kevin Barnett

Billy Gene Powers

Billy Gene Powers, born on April 12, 1948, in Gatliff, Kentucky, departed this life on November 28, 2023, to the late John and Lethel Powers.
Billy is survived by his stepson, Jimmy Sawyers of Williamsburg, KY; his two sisters, Janet Sergent and husband Jerry of Williamsburg, KY, and his sister, Kathy Fuson of Williamsburg, KY.
Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy Powers; his father, John Powers; his mother, Lethel Hickey Powers; and his siblings, Willard Powers, Walter Powers, Kenneth Powers, Helen Powers and Allene Powers.
Funeral service was on Friday, December 1, with Rev. Rick Croley officiating.
Following the service Bill was laid to rest at Powers Cemetery on Powers Mountain, Caleb Powers Road, in Williamsburg.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Rickie Fore

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to a compassionate hero, Rickie Fore, born on March 19, 1951, in Corbin, Kentucky, who left us on December 1, 2023.
Rickie was a beacon of courage and dedication, tirelessly serving his community with unmatched passion and commitment.
Rickie was a smart and determined man who dedicated his life to serving his community. He was a firefighter since 1972 and led as the Fire Chief of Woodbine Volunteer Fire Department since 1994.
His dedication to public safety extended beyond firefighting when he served as the Special Deputy with the Whitley County Sheriff Department as Fire Investigator from 2001-2008. He was also a member of the 911 Board of Directors and the Whitley County Rescue Squad Chief since 2012. His love for his community was evident in his tireless work, showing us all the true meaning of service and sacrifice.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jo Ann Fore of Corbin, KY; daughters, Stephanie (Robbie) Taylor of Williamsburg, KY. and Barbara (Gilbert) Mills Barbourville, KY; son, Rickie Joe (Felicia) Fore of Corbin, KY; stepchildren, Richard (Eve) Disney of Florida, Jimmy (Alice) Disney of Corbin, KY, and Cynthia Scott of Grey, KY; siblings, Ronnie Fore of Corbin, KY, Bill Fore of Corbin, KY, and Sheila Campbell of Corbin, KY. He was also a beloved figure to his 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, and a host of other family and friends who mourn his passing.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Layton and Doris (Hill) Fore.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 11:00 am at Croley Funeral Home, 103 South 2nd Street, Williamsburg, Kentucky. The funeral service will follow at the same location at 2:00 pm with Rev. Matt Ridener. Burial services will be conducted at 3:00 pm at the Fore Family Cemetery, 592 Eatontown Road, Corbin, Kentucky.
As we remember Rickie, let us celebrate his unwavering dedication and service to his community. We invite you to share your memories and upload photos of Rickie on his memorial page. Let us remember him not just for the role he played in our lives, but for the positive and lasting impact he made on his community.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Kimberly Taryl Younts

Kimberly Taryl Younts, age 67, passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Baptist Health Corbin.
She was born in London, Kentucky on August 23, 1959, to the late William G. and Juanita Hughes.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Younts; a son, Daniel Garner Emitt Jr.; and two brothers, Joey Hughes and Johnny Rowlett.
Kimberly is survived by her son, Travis (Amy) Mills; grandchildren, Gabe, Marcus, Eli, and Isaac Mills; sister, Cheryl (David) Landrum; and by many friends, family, nieces and nephews.
A memorial visitation will be held from 2-4pm on Saturday, December 2, at Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home.
Arrangements by Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, where messages may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com.

Larry Paul Silcox

Larry Paul Silcox, age 38, of Paris, Tennessee passed away Monday, November 20, 2023, at his home.
He was born December 17, 1984, Jellico, Tennessee.
Larry was preceded in death by his father, Larry Dee Silcox, grandparents, Joyce Powell, Paul and Ruth Silcox; and several aunts and uncles.
He is survived by daughter, Desirea Silcox, mother, Melissa (Davis) Haynes and Don Baker; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and family to mourn his passing.
Funeral service was Sunday, November 26, at the Harp Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Shawn Ivey and Rev. Jason Ivey officiating.
Burial followed in the Floyd Cemetery in London, Kentucky.
Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

Timothy Scott Bays

We gather to remember and celebrate the life of Timothy Bays, also known as Scott Bays, who was born on March 26, 1975, in Corbin, KY.
A beloved son, husband, father, and brother, Timothy departed from us on November 24, 2023. As the poet Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Timothy was one of those rare individuals who left a profound impact on all who knew him.
Timothy was a man of the outdoors, a logger by trade, who relished the raw beauty of nature. He found great joy in the rhythm of his work, the feel of the earth under his boots, and the symphony of the forest around him. Outside of work, he was an avid hunter and fisherman, activities that allowed him to further immerse himself in the natural world he loved so much. His spirit was as vast as the forests he roamed, and as deep as the rivers he fished. In the words of John Muir, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” Timothy’s passion for the outdoors was a testament to this sentiment.
He is survived by his loving family, his father Timmy Bays; his mother, Brenda Bays; his devoted spouse, Melissa Bays; his cherished children, Kendra Bays (Cameron Willis, fiance), Chloe Bays, and Rileigh Bays; his sister, Amy Bays; nieces, Haylee Baird, and Faith Bays also mourn his loss.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Alfred Bays; his grandmother, Maxine Peace; and his uncle, Lonnie Bays.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 29, at 6:00pm at Croley Funeral Home, located at 103 South 2nd Street, Williamsburg, Kentucky. The funeral service will take place on Thursday, November 30, at 1:00pm at the same venue.
Interment will follow at 3:00pm at the Maple Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, Maple Creek Road, Williamsburg, Kentucky.
In the spirit of celebrating Timothy’s life, we encourage you to share your memories and upload photos to his memorial page. The stories and images you share will help us remember and honor the remarkable life that Timothy lived.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Dennis Jerome Walden

Dennis Jerome Walden, age 71, of Jellico, Tennessee passed away Monday, November 20th, 2023, at Tennova North Medical Center, Knoxville, TN.
He was born October 5th, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio. Denny is preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Jerome and Charlene (Dykes) Walden;
He is survived by a sister, Rhonda (Jack) Anderson of Cleveland, Ohio; three brothers, Gregory Walden of Cleveland, TN, Timothy (Lori) Walden of Fairborn, Ohio, and Kevin (Kimberly) Walden of Jellico, TN; six nieces, Somer Toomey, Amber McGinnis, Hannah Wilson, Hailey Burnett, Olivia and Kennedy Walden; and two nephews, Chris and Jake Walden.
A private memorial will be held by the family at a later date.
The Llewellyn Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.

Beverly Joy Webb

Beverly Joy Webb of Oak Ridge, Tennessee passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to a strong, spiritual family.
Beloved wife, of Roger Lynn Webb; loving mother, of Rebecca Joy Webb, Roger Benjamin Webb, Jr. and Christa Elaine Webb; cherished daughter, of the late Nellie (nee Morrow) and Lloyd Halcomb; dear sister, of JoAnn White, Wayne (Beverly) Halcomb, Wanda (Dallas) Hines, and Larry (Vicki) Halcomb.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Harold Halcomb, and Robert (Cathy) Halcomb; sisters, Darlene (Daymon) Bush and Sandra (Tom) Stevens; also survived by special niece, Robin (Mitch) Rapp and their sons, Austin and Hunter; along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
After accepting Jesus Christ as her Saviour, Beverly dedicated her life to leading others to Him. As a young lady she began teaching Sunday school and worked tirelessly with various inner-city ministries. Her heart for the Lord was expressed through her dedication to His work.
Roger and Beverly were married on July 25th, 1981, at the Towne Street Church of God Mountain Assembly, her family’s home church, where she served faithfully. Affectionately referred to as “Ms. Beverly” by the many people she taught and ministered to. Mrs. Webb faithfully served at her husband’s side for more than forty years in the ministry.
Funeral service was Saturday, November 26, at the Harp Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial followed in the Douglas Cemetery in the Wooldridge Community.
Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements.